Friday 1st July 2011; 9.30am to 5.30pmat G39A, Hicks Building, University of Sheffield

Who is the course aimed at?This course is aimed at two distinct groups; those seeking a beginners'
course in Path Analysis techniques such as Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA);
and those with some previous experience of Structural Equation Modelling who wish to learn to use the powerful and elegant MPlus software,
which can be employed in an incredibly wide range of model fitting scenarios.

Course level:A basic knowledge of Exploratory Factor Analysis and the ideas behind
multiple regression analysis will be extremely advantageous to participants. No previous knowledge or experience with SEM or Mplus is assumed

Course content and aims:The course will cover the following topics:

Introduction to Path Analysis - what is it and why do we need it?

Assessing the fit of a Structural Equation Model

Comparing competing Structural Equation Models

Preparing and importing data into Mplus from SPSS

Getting started with analysis in MPlus - the basics of the language

Fitting a simple Confirmatory Factor Analysis in Mplus

Fitting a simple Structural Equation Model in Mplus

Testing for indirect effects in Structural Equation Models

Fitting Structural Equation Models with missing data

Including Categorical variables in Structural Equation Models

Multiple group analysis

The course comprises of a mixture of short lectures on the
basic theory behind Structural Equation Models, teaching via examples worked through by
the trainer on real data sets which participants can follow, and exercises to practice the
skills just learned. You will also receive a 80-page coursebook containing all the notes and worked examples, providing an easy reference for the basics of performing SEM in MPLus, and as a reminder for the techniques you have learned.

Course schedule:
The course will start at 9.45am, with a lunch break from 1pm-2pm, and short coffee breaks
at 11.30am and 3.30pm. It will finish at around 5.15 to 5.30pm, though I will be willing to stay on for a while after this to answer questions pertinent to participants' own data sets or any other Structural Equation Modelling queries you may have.

The teacher:Dr Chris Stride has been using SPSS in his work as a statistician
and data manager for the last 12 years. He has particular experience and expertise
in teaching non-statisticians from the fields of psychology, HR, management
and the social sciences. He is a Chartered Statistician and a member of the
ASSESS (UK SPSS Users Group) Committee; and has run training courses at the
University of Sheffield, for the UK SPSS users group, at national and international conferences,
and on an inhouse basis for Universities and the public sector over the past three years.

The venue, facilities and directions:The course will be held in room G39a, on the 5th floor of the Hicks Building, University of Sheffield.
This room offers a light and airy teaching environment, with excellent networked computer
facilities (and a fine view over Sheffield!).

The Hicks Building is on the corner of Hounsfield Road and Western Bank,
in the main University area to the west of the City Centre,
around 10-15 minutes tram or bus ride from the City Station. Visit the University of Sheffield website for maps and transport links; you will
also be sent detailed directions when you book on the course.

Lunch is provided next door at the University Arms, the University of Sheffield's
very own public house, which serves a variety of good quality home-cooked food. Lunch and
tea/coffee/biscuits in the breaks is included in the cost of the course.

Sheffield Information:For information on accommodation in the city, see the Sheffield Tourism
accommodation guide. A comprehensive guide to the city
itself can be found on the IWP website.